Officials in Balurghat Outline Strict Enforcement of ECI’s 8-Point Election Protocol

Kamal Kumar Biswas. TOD. Balurghat 

Senior district officials in Balurghat on Tuesday detailed an extensive administrative and security framework aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, as mandated by the Election Commission of India.

At a joint press conference, District Magistrate Balasubhramanian T, Superintendent of Police Chinmoy Mittal, and senior officials of central forces emphasized strict adherence to the ECI’s 8-point guideline, a set of measures designed to curb electoral malpractice and maintain order.

Mr. Balasubhramanian stated that no public servant would be permitted to engage, directly or indirectly, in any political activity. Instructions to this effect have already been issued to top officials across departments, he said, warning of stringent action in case of violations. He further noted that district authorities, along with police and central forces, would conduct extensive booth-level inspections to ensure effective implementation of the guidelines.

Mr.Chinmoy Mittal(SP,Dakshin Dinajpur)outlined heightened security arrangements in the lead-up to polling. In accordance with ECI directives, civic volunteers will not be deployed from three days prior to the election until one day after voting concludes. Addressing questions on force deployment, he said that 61 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have already arrived in the district, with an additional 20 companies expected shortly.Election officials described the district as highly sensitive, citing data that shows a majority of polling stations falling under vulnerable or critical categories. Of the 1,398 total booths, 231 have been identified as vulnerable and 579 as critical, leaving only 273 classified as normal.

To ensure a peaceful and transparent voting process, authorities plan to install CCTV surveillance and enable webcasting at all polling stations. Additional measures include the establishment of 57 all-women-managed booths, one polling station designed for persons with disabilities, and six model booths, one in each assembly constituency.Officials reiterated that the administration’s approach would be guided by core principles of free voting, non-violence, and zero tolerance for intimidation, underscoring a broader effort to deliver a credible and orderly electoral process.